To learn everything you need to know about FB-DIMMs, click on a question and the corresponding answer will appear.
Q: What are FB-DIMMs?
FB-DIMMs represent the next-generation server memory technology that is currently being standardized by JEDEC, the industry's standard group.
Intel Corporation is a key developer of FB-DIMM technology and the first adopter, launching it on its two-way Xeon servers (code-named "Bensley")
with 5000 series chipsets launching in 2006. FB-DIMMs are "intelligent" memory modules, incorporating a special memory controller built
into the memory module.
FB-DIMMs are not compatible with existing servers utilizing DDR2 Registered DIMM memory. They also will not work in desktop or mobile platforms
as they are only designed for servers with FB-DIMM memory architecture.
Q: When are FB-DIMM based servers launching?
FB-DIMM based servers started launching at the end of May 2006 by major server and motherboard manufacturers. Kingston will launch system-specific
FB-DIMMs as OEMs launch new server platforms. Kingston industry-standard ValueRAM FB-DIMMs in capacities of 512MB, 1GB and 2GB were launched in 1Q
2006. 4GB FB-DIMMs are expected in 3Q 2006.
Q: How does FB-DIMM technology affect IT?
FB-DIMMs resolve DDR2 memory capacity issues and will enable two-way servers to reach 64 GB of DDR2 memory in 2006. These servers will come in 8, 12,
or 16 FB-DIMM socket configurations, providing unprecedented memory flexibility. FB-DIMM will allow for upgrades to a server's memory over time, thereby
increasing a server's life cycle while reducing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). With FB-DIMM servers, all memory sockets can be used, unlike
Lindenhurst servers where the rank limit may require memory sockets to remain empty if the limit is reached.
The following chart shows the two major types of Bensley platforms expected in 2006 and the potential DDR2 memory capacities:
Q: How does FB-DIMM technology work?
FB-DIMM technology utilizes high-speed serial (narrow bus) memory connections, similar to the PCI Express technology launched in June 2004. FB-DIMMs
feature a built-in intelligent controller, called Advanced Memory Buffer (AMB), which manages all the module's DRAM read and write operations while
also handling all communications across the high-speed connection to the memory controller. FB-DIMMs are "intelligent" memory modules.
FB-DIMMs utilize the same DDR2-533 and DDR2-667 DRAMs that are already being utilized on newer desktops and notebooks (Bensley platforms will initially
launch with DDR2-533 memory, and will support DDR2-667 memory later in 2006).
Future FB-DIMM server platforms will be able to scale memory up to 6 channels, with up to 8 FB-DIMMs per channel. At full configuration, future high-end
servers will provide up to 48 FB-DIMM sockets, allowing for memory capacity to increase to 192 GB using 4-GB FB-DIMM modules.
FB-DIMMs utilize standard DDR2 memory chips at 1.8 Volts. The Advanced Memory Buffer requires 1.5 Volts. FB-DIMMs consume more power than older DDR2
Registered DIMMs (about 3-5 Watts more per module typically).
Unlike pre-2006 server platforms which were impacted by Rank issues for DDR2 memory, FB-DIMMs eliminate the Rank problem on Bensley and future FB-DIMM
servers. New Bensley servers can accommodate dual-rank FB-DIMMs in all sockets.
Q: Why do FB-DIMMs use a heatspreader?
The Advanced Memory Buffer (AMB), the intelligent chip that manages the communications on the FB-DIMM memory module, is a controller or specialized
processor. It gets hotter than DRAMs and the heatspreader helps to dissipate heat away from the AMB and DRAM chips by providing a larger area that
can be cooled by a server's built-in fans. All of Kingston's FB-DIMMs will incorporate a full-DIMM heatspreader to increase their operational reliability.
All servers with FB-DIMM memory will be designed by their manufacturers to effectively dissipate heat away from the memory modules.
Q: What is the AMB chip and why is it necessary?
The AMB chip, or Advanced Memory Buffer chip, is a specialized processor (or controller) that is built into every FB-DIMM module. It allows the server
motherboard's Memory Controller to "outsource" the DRAM management functions to the AMB chip. Through this outsourcing process, many of the electrical
loading issues impacting Registered DIMM server modules get resolved.
In addition to managing all the FB-DIMMs' read from and write to DRAM operations, the AMB also manages communications across the high-speed memory
connections linking the Memory Controller to all the FB-DIMMs in a channel.
Q: Will FB-DIMMs cost more than the existing registered DIMM server memory modules?
In equivalent configurations with 8G or more of DDR2 memory, Bensley servers will generally reduce memory costs significantly over older-generation
Lindenhurst servers
Bensley servers will allow all of their FB-DIMM sockets to be used so memory capacity headroom is effectively increased. For example, to configure a
Lindenhurst server with 16 GB of DDR2 memory, the options are to use eight 2-GB single-rank memory modules or four 4-GB dual-rank memory modules – both
expensive solutions due to higher DRAM costs. On Bensley platforms with sixteen FB-DIMM sockets, sixteen 1-GB FB-DIMMs can be used, resulting in
significant savings. With FB-DIMM, memory costs can be reduced by using cost-effective, lower capacity memory modules instead of more expensive,
high-capacity memory modules.
The AMB chip will add slightly to the cost of FB-DIMM server memory, and costs are expected to decrease as production volumes increase later in 2006.
Q: Can you mix both 533MHz and 667MHz FB-DIMMs on the same motherboard?
Yes. However, servers which support DDR2-667 speeds will access the memory at the slower speed or 533MHz in this case. For best performance and
cost-effectiveness, all FB-DIMMs should be identically matched for speed.
Q: Can you mix single and dual rank FB-DIMMs?
All FB-DIMMs should be installed in matching sockets across each paired channel for proper dual-channel operation (e.g. module 1 of Channel A
should be identical to module 1 of Channel B). While single- and dual-rank FB-DIMMs can be installed in a specific server, proper dual-channel
operation would be impacted by mixing single- and dual-rank FB-DIMMs in matching dual-channel sockets.
Q: When are DDR2-800 FB-DIMMs expected?
As of the second quarter of 2006, there are no specific plans to launch DDR2-800 FB-DIMMs in 2006.
Q: When is the market going to fully adopt FB-DIMM technology?
FB-DIMM technology will launch on all new Intel Bensley platforms in 2006, and is expected to launch on new Intel Xeon MP platforms in 2007. JEDEC is
already standardizing FB-DIMMs for the next-generation server platforms. Kingston expects FB-DIMMs to rapidly become the server memory standard in the
next couple of years.
Q: How does Kingston differentiate itself from other independent memory vendors?
Kingston is the only independent memory manufacturer to work with Intel and global DRAM manufacturers since 2004 to prototype, manufacture, and test
FB-DIMMs. An expert in testing technology, Kingston has developed specialized and proprietary hardware testers and software to effectively test each
FB-DIMM module prior to customer shipment. Kingston has also engineered special test boards and software to conduct detailed parametric and
characterization testing of FB-DIMMs on high-end Automated Test Equipment (ATE) testers, thereby verifying that an FB-DIMM complies with specifications
and is fully functional.
Kingston has already been selected by leading server manufacturers as a strategic supplier of FB-DIMM memory. Kingston is well-prepared to fully ramp
the supply of its top-quality FB-DIMM memory solutions and support its partners and IT purchasers worldwide in maximizing the Total Cost of Ownership
(TCO), Return On Investment (ROI), and life cycle benefits provided by the new Intel server platforms.
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